Come celebrate the 4th of July in New York City at the Park Terrace Hotel and make memories to last a lifetime! Discover NYC’s iconic Independence Day Fireworks, learn the best ways to view them and explore other noteworthy things to do in NYC on July 4th weekend.

Fireworks over the Brooklyn Bridge in New York CityThe 46th Annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks

The Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks will launch from five barges positioned in the East River in Midtown Manhattan beginning at 9:25 p.m. and continue for 25 minutes. This year’s spectacular display includes whistling jellyfish, little snakes, blinking smiling faces, swimming chrysanthemums and other colorful shapes. Patriotic musical standards will be performed by The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus along with the Young People’s Chorus of New York City. The orchestration for this year’s exhibit is by Ray Chew of American Idol and Dancing With the Stars. Other celebrity performers round out what promises to be a memorable 4th of July celebration in NYC.

 

 

How to Watch the NYC Fireworks

By Land

Macy’s recommends the following elevated points along the East River for prime viewing, but suggests you arrive early to claim the best spot:

By Sea

To enjoy the singular experience of viewing the fireworks from the East River, embark on a 4th of July NYC cruise. Multiple cruises offer dining and entertainment, including these two options:

NYC 4th of July Fireworks Cruise Aboard the Timeless

This 21-and-up cruise features dinner, an open bar, party favors and a DJ for what promises to be a fun-filled evening of dining and dancing under the fireworks. The Timeless departs from Skyport Marina at 5:00 p.m. Tickets start at $299 per person, with VIP seating options. This festive celebration begins about 15 minutes from the Park Terrace Hotel if traveling by cab or car, or hop on the subway and arrive in a half-hour.

Family-Friendly July 4th NYC Fireworks Cruise

Enjoy a harbor cruise around Lower Manhattan and take in signature New York City landmarks. This NYC 4th of July event features kid-friendly fare and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase on board, with the fireworks serving as the crowning moment of the evening. A live DJ will be on hand to spin favorite dance tunes and create a lively mood. The boat departs from the Greenpoint Market Terminal in Brooklyn at 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at $220.99. Distance from the Park Terrace Hotel is about 20 minutes by cab, or about a half-hour by subway.

a couple enjoying the terrazzo lounge

From a Rooftop

New York City boasts some of the best rooftops for viewing fireworks on the 4th of July. When you return home to the Park Terrace, come up to our Terrazzo Rooftop Lounge and raise a toast to America’s birthday with an artisan cocktail under the nighttime sky.

4th of July on New York City’s Liberty Island

See the Statue of Liberty’s “Little Sister”

The French Embassy in the US is arranging for the nine-foot bronze statue that served as the model for Lady Liberty to journey across the Atlantic in time for July 4th celebrations in NYC. The work was sculpted in 1878 by Auguste Bartholdi and will be positioned on Ellis Island just across from the Statue of Liberty. It will be on display there from July 1st until the 4th. From the Park Terrace Hotel, Liberty State Park is roughly a half-hour ride by cab or car. Access to Liberty Island and the famous pair of statues is a 15-minute ferry ride from the park. Secure tickets for the boat in advance, arrive early, and bring plenty of sunscreen!

4th of July on New York City’s Staten Island

The Travis Parade

If a July 4th parade is a tradition in your family, you’re in luck! The Travis Parade offers a small-town Independence Day experience on Staten Island, only a stone’s throw from the bustle of New York City. The parade starts at 12:30 p.m. at the Showplace Center (141 East Service Road) in Travis, continues along a triangular route and concludes back at the Center. Getting to Staten Island from your Park Terrace suite takes about an hour and a half. Contact our concierge to arrange transportation. Please note that all access roads into Travis close at 11:30 a.m. on July 4th, so plan to arrive early.

 

Independence Day With Fireworks in New York City

The 4th of July on Iconic Coney Island

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

After a two-year hiatus, Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest returns on Monday, July 4th just outside the flagship restaurant on Coney Island in Brooklyn, headlined by champions Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo. The signature event was first held in 1916 and will feature 16 men and 12 women this year. From our Bryant Park view, Nathan’s is about a 45-minute cab or car ride, or for a more authentic New York City experience, take the subway. Walk four minutes from the hotel to the 42nd Street/Bryant Park station and take the F train to Coney Island/Stillwell Avenue. The contest gets underway at about noon (arrive early for the best chances at an unobstructed view), but also airs live on ESPN from 10:45 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Book your stay now at the Park Terrace Hotel to enjoy the best available rates and an unforgettable 4th of July weekend in New York City.

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